Some in Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu's office are taking comments this week
by U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta as a direct
assault against the Israeli leader.

Upon arriving in Israel
on Sunday, Panetta argued Israel carried a portion of
the blame for its deteriorating relationship with Turkey
and Egypt.

''There's not much
question in my mind that they (Israel) maintain that
[military] edge,'' he said. ''But the question you
have to ask is: Is it enough to maintain a military
edge if you're isolating yourself in the diplomatic
arena?"

Continued Panetta:
"In this dramatic time in the Middle East, when
there have been so many changes, it's not a good
situation for Israel to become increasingly
isolated. And that's what's happening.''

Panetta made the
remarks at a press conference. He was flanked by
Israel's defense minister, Ehud Barak, who is also
an opposition leader